Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

NFL Announces Punishment Decision After Davante Adams Incident

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nate Lunak | Last updated Jan 17, 2026 4:20 PM ET

Davante Adams and the Los Angeles Rams went on the road and defeated the Carolina Panthers 34-31 in the wild-card round of the playoffs. The Rams advance to the divisional round, set to take on the Chicago Bears on Sunday night.

Against the Panthers, Adams put up solid numbers. He was targeted 13 times, hauling in five receptions for 72 yards.

However, he was also the recipient of a nasty hit in the third quarter. It came on a third-and-5 play that resulted in an incomplete pass from quarterback Matthew Stafford to Adams.

Instead of facing a fourth down, though, Panthers safety Nick Scott was flagged for unnecessary roughness after a helmet-to-helmet hit on the wide receiver. The Rams finished the drive with a field goal, extending their lead to 20-17.

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Davante Adams.Scott Kinser-Imagn Images

According to the NFL rulebook, players can be fined $17,389 for a hit on a defenseless player. That can increase to $23,186 for a second offense in the same season. Not only did Scott's hit on Adams aid the Rams' scoring drive, it meant he could receive an additional punishment.

He was already fined $7,431 for striking/kicking/tripping/kneeing against the New England Patriots in Week 4. On Saturday, the NFL released its wild-card round accountability report, revealing Scott was handed a $6,500 fine.

After receiving another fine, Scott enters the offseason. However, his one-year contract with the Panthers is set to expire, meaning he's on the verge of hitting free agency.

As for Adams and the Rams, they take on the Bears with a trip to the NFC Championship Game on the line. Kickoff is Sunday at 6:30 p.m. ET at Soldier Field, airing on NBC and Peacock.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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